When it comes time for a state inspection, you need to seek service from a certified state inspection site. Auto Sense Auto Repair & Tire Center is certified to conduct Maryland state inspections for drivers in Millersville, MD, Severn, MD, Severna Park, MD, and surrounding areas.

Does My Vehicle Need an MD State Inspection?

The only time Maryland requires a state inspection is when a vehicle changes ownership. There is one exception. If you are giving your vehicle to your children as a gift or your children are giving a vehicle to you as a gift, you do not need to schedule a state inspection. In fact, if the car, truck, or automobile is truly a gift, you don't even have to pay taxes on it.

Maryland State Inspection Checklist

What does your vehicle need inspected? A lot. Of all state inspections within the United States, Maryland vehicle inspections are among the most comprehensive. During an MD state inspection, the following components will be checked in your car, truck, or SUV:

In brief, most every part of your vehicle should function properly. The Maryland Inspection Manual is very thorough in what certified shops must check. For example, it is important that every light and seat belt work correctly. If your windshield has a crack, it must be very small to pass. Per the manual, your suspension components are measured to the thousandth of an inch. Likewise, your parking brake must hold at a 20% grade and pass a road test where it should stop evenly at 20 miles per hour.

These are only a few examples of how your vehicle will be checked. You will receive a full report from our Inspection Station. 

Tinted Vehicles and State Inspections

Tint on windows needs to be above 35% light transmittance. On cars all windows have to comply. On trucks and SUV's only the front windows (drivers and passenger front) need to comply. Windshield are not allowed to have any after market tint. Factory tint above the AS1 line is acceptable. Red, Amber, or mirrored tint is not allowed on any window. Tint needs to be checked at a certified Maryland State Inspection Facility by a Licensed State Inspector. The licensed technician will calibrate a tint meter every time he or she test for tint. Please keep in mind this just an abbreviated explanation of Maryland's COMAR regulations.

Emissions and State Inspections

In the state of Maryland, an emissions inspection is periodically required for most vehicles. During a State Inspection, all emission components will be checked for proper hookup, but keep in mind that testing for proper operation is not a part of the State Inspection. Our emissions inspection consists of engine diagnostics and other troubleshooting and covers diesel-powered vehicles and regular gasoline-powered vehicles.

The Facts about MD State Inspections

• To register a vehicle in Maryland, drivers must receive an inspection certificate.
• Inspection certificates can only be awarded by licensed Maryland inspection stations.
• New residents of Maryland have 60 days to register their vehicles before automatically forfeiting any tax credit or titling tax paid in another state.
• Most sellers of used cars are required to have a vehicle undergo a safety inspection before the automobile can be sold.

Whenever you buy a used vehicle, make sure you obtain the inspection certificate from the seller. In addition, be attentive to when your periodic emissions inspection is due. Remember, year-round preventive maintenance can help prolong the life of your vehicle while preventing the discovery of necessary repairs during your state inspection.

Schedule a State Inspection

Use the form below to schedule your vehicle for a state inspection. Simply check off the box "Vehicle Inspection" and choose two dates and times that work best for you. We will be in contact shortly to confirm your appointment.